JIAT Clarifies Allegations Of Coalition Forces Targeting Truck And House In Hajjah Governorate

The Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) addressed claims about Coalition Forces targeting a compact pick-up truck and a house in Al-Jarr village, Abs directorate, Hajjah governorate on 16 June 2019. Reports suggested that at 9:00 am, an aircraft or drone was seen over the village, followed by airstrikes hitting the truck and later a house. Coordinates of the alleged site were provided.

Upon investigating these allegations, JIAT examined various documents such as air tasking orders, daily mission schedules, mission execution procedures, after-mission reports, and satellite images. They also visited operation centres and related field units to gather more information. The rules of engagement of Coalition Forces and International Humanitarian Law principles were considered during this assessment.

JIAT's investigation revealed that Al-Jarr village is situated centrally in Abs directorate within Hajjah governorate. By reviewing air missions conducted by Coalition Forces' fighter planes and UAVs on the claimed date, JIAT found no evidence of any missions targeting Al-Jarr village on 16 June 2019.

Further examination of the daily mission schedules for one day before and after the alleged incident date showed no air missions were carried out by Coalition Forces on Al-Jarr village on either 15 June or 17 June 2019. This further supported their findings.

Specialists from JIAT analysed satellite images taken after the reported incident date. These images showed no signs of aerial targeting at the specified location in Al-Jarr village. This analysis reinforced JIAT's conclusion regarding the absence of any airstrikes.

Based on all gathered evidence and assessments, JIAT concluded that Coalition Forces did not target a compact pick-up truck or a house in Al-Jarr village on 16 June 2019 as initially claimed. Their findings indicate no involvement of Coalition Forces in the alleged incident.

With inputs from SPA